Dr. Meininger says there are two mechanisms through which this happens.

“It is a stimulant, blocking the effects of adenosine and impacting the autonomic nervous system, and it can increase blood flow to the kidneys with excess fluid loss and dehydration (diuretic effect).”

Coffee, tea, soda and chocolate are the leading caffeine-containing items, but some dessert type foods and snacks may also contain this stimulant.

If you’re drinking at least three cups of caffeinated coffee a day, for instance, this may be causing or contributing to your “skipped” or “extra” beats.

Aspartame and Palpitations

This artificial sweetener should be removed from your diet altogether. It has no virtues and is highly controversial.

Aspartame can cause a variety of side effects including heart palpitations, according to a paper in The Internet Journal of Health (2008 Volume 9 Number 1).

Eliminate ingestion of aspartame and see what happens.

This chemical is in all sorts of items. Read the ingredients lists of your energy bars, breakfast bars, protein powder, any low carb item that normally has a lot of carbs, and anything labeled “sugar free.”

So those are two food ingredients that may be causing or contributing to your heart palpitations. Your best bet, however, is to have an examination by a cardiologist.

Dr. Meininger is board certified in cardiac electrophysiology, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine and is widely regarded as an expert in the use of multiple modalities to treat cardiac arrhythmias.

Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.